Welcome from the Assistant Head

It has been a busy and productive year for the sixth form at Queen's. Whilst greatly enjoying the wonderful facilities in our new Sixth Form Centre, this has not distracted from the daily business of rigorous academic work, attaining fantastic university offers, and making the most of school life. I am thoroughly proud of the way in which sixth formers here lead the school community, and somehow find a balance between challenging A-level study and full involvement in co-curricular activities. Sixth formers regularly give back to the College and wider community via mentoring, volunteering and fundraising. Last summer two girls were – rather excitingly - invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street in recognition of their volunteering work with primary school children. This was one of many highlights in a fantastic and rewarding year!

Eric Wilkins

Assistant Head with responsibilty for the Sixth Form

'Perhaps the most important thing about being at Queen's is the feeling of being part of its incredible history. It really is a unique, sometimes quirky community in the very heart of a fabulous city, and I would never hesitate to recommend it to anyone.'

Evie, Year 12

Welcome from the Senior Student

As Senior Student, I am proud to welcome you to the College. Queen's offers its students so much, but most importantly, a real sense of belonging and support, which is something that is quite hard to find. From the moment I joined the College in Year 7, my teachers and peers have shaped me into who I am today, both in academics and my personal life. The College provides the students with so many fantastic opportunities, from a wide variety of clubs that girls of all year groups can join, to regular trips to areas far and wide — but not neglecting the sites that we are so lucky to have near us in central location. I haven't heard a teacher at Queen's tell a student they cannot achieve something. Every student has a voice. Every student has a different dream. Every student is welcome to be themselves at Queen's.

Mina, Year 12

'Something that is really unique about Queen's sixth form is the small class sizes, which gives everyone the opportunity to get to know their teachers, making the whole experience a lot more personal.'

Hannah, Year 13

About Queen's College London

Welcome to the Queen's College website.

Queen's is an independent day school for girls between the ages of 11 and 18, and occupies four large houses on Harley Street. We are academically selective, but not narrowly so, and we place very great importance on the nurture and development of the talents of each individual girl. This is not a school to force anyone into a mould, and we are very proud of that. Our size allows for small classes and close relations between the well qualified staff and pupils, but we are large enough to be able to offer a wide range of subjects and subject combinations.

Being situated at the heart of the capital, we are able to take full advantage of the cultural life of London, and to draw upon the museums, galleries, theatres and concert halls around. And while Queen's girls come from a huge range of different backgrounds and traditions, they share a self-confidence and open-mindedness which enables them to embark upon their university courses and future careers with vigour and success.

Queen's is a unique institution - with an exceptional history behind it and a distinctive approach to the education of girls and young women in the 21st century. Please come and visit us.

History

Queen's College occupies an extraordinary position in the history of education. It was founded in 1848 by Frederick Denison Maurice, professor of English Literature and History at King's College London and Christian Socialist thinker. His ambition was to provide a means by which girls and young women could gain a serious education, and Queen's was the first institution in Great Britain where they could study for and gain academic qualifications. In 1853 Queen's received a Royal Charter from Queen Victoria which established much of the organisation of the College. Following this early royal patronage, the Patron of the College has always been a queen, and our current Patron is Her Majesty The Queen.

In keeping with its radical and pioneering past, Queen's has maintained a liberal and self-confident tradition throughout its history. It has educated young women who have gone on to become leaders in the professions and who have blazed trails in just about every walk of life.

Governance

Queen's College, which comprises both the senior school and Queen's College Preparatory School, is a registered charity (no 312726). It is governed by the Council of Queen's College under the terms of the Royal Charter of 1853.

Prep school

Queen's College Preparatory School, which educates girls between the ages of 4 and 11, was founded in 2002 on Portland Place. The school has grown very rapidly and is one of London's most successful girls' prep schools. There is a close relationship between QCPS and the College, and both are governed by the Queen's College Council.

News Archive 2009 / 2010

Drama trip to the Old Vic

Year 8 History trip to Hever Castle and Penshurst Place

Last Tuesday, Year 8 girls from Queen's College jumped on the coach to Kent to visit Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and Penshurst Place, where the Tudor writer Sir Philip Sidney lived.

Queen's entertains Prep School girls scientifically

Another Country: London painters in dialogue with modern Italian art

On Tues 15 June the Queen's College Year 12 Italian class escaped from the dark memories of AS-levels to bask in the clear, comforting light of the Estorick Museum's Collection of Modern Italian Art in Highbury.

Queen's College Sports Awards 2013

Year 9 History trip to Ypres and the Somme

On Tues 21 May, Year 9 students from Queen's set off for Ypres in Belgium. The focus of the trip was on World War 1 and the itinerary included the graves, cemeteries and memorials of the soldiers who fought in the Great War.

News Archive 2009 / 2010

Drama trip to the Old Vic

Year 8 History trip to Hever Castle and Penshurst Place

Last Tuesday, Year 8 girls from Queen's College jumped on the coach to Kent to visit Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and Penshurst Place, where the Tudor writer Sir Philip Sidney lived.

Queen's entertains Prep School girls scientifically

Another Country: London painters in dialogue with modern Italian art

On Tues 15 June the Queen's College Year 12 Italian class escaped from the dark memories of AS-levels to bask in the clear, comforting light of the Estorick Museum's Collection of Modern Italian Art in Highbury.

Admissions Queen's College London

At Queen's College we aim for our admissions process to be friendly and transparent, and to provide a real opportunity for both a girl's family and the school to explore whether she would thrive here.

The main points of admission are at 11+ and 16+. However occasional vacancies may occur at other stages, and arrangements can be made to test candidates on application. Please contact the Registrar, Miss Fiona Murdoch, if you would like to discuss this possibility.

If you would like to request a prospectus, please click here, or view it online by clicking here. If you would like to print off an application form, please click here.

Please note that you will need to complete and send us both sides of the form, together with a registration fee and some supporting documentation. Full guidance is given on the form.

Open Days

Our open days for entry in September 2018 are listed below. Parents and their daughters are warmly invited to attend, but we do advise that you book a place in advance by contacting the Registrar, Miss Fiona Murdoch, on 020 7291 7070 or by e-mail.

Wed 27 September 2017 at 5.00pm FULLY BOOKED

Thurs 28 September 2017 at 5.00pm FULLY BOOKED

Wed 4 October 2017 at 5.00pm (for Sixth Form entry ONLY)

Wed 11 October 2017 at 11.00am FULLY BOOKED

Thurs 16 November 2017 at 11.00am FULLY BOOKED

Tues 23 January 2018 at 11.00am

Wed 25 April 2018 at 11.00am (for September 2019 entry)

At our open days visitors will be able to meet the Principal, to ask questions and tour the College. Open days starting at 11.00am take place during the course of a normal school day, so that people can see the College in action. Open evenings are held after school has finished, but there will be work on display and opportunities to meet pupils and staff members. Although open days are geared primarily towards 11+ entry, those interested in entry at other levels (including potential Sixth Formers) are very welcome.

Bursaries & scholarships

Bursaries

The inability to pay tuition fees should not be a deterrent to girls who share our ethos from joining Queen's College.

We are very keen to admit any girl who will benefit from the unique education we provide, and we have a number of means-tested bursaries available on entry at both 11+ and 16+. A bursary can provide up to 100% remission of fees, depending on a family's financial circumstances. Bursary applications for entry at 11+ must be submitted by 30 November in the year before entry.

Bursaries can also be awarded if parents' circumstances change dramatically during the course of a girl's time at the College.

Scholarships

Academic, Music and Art scholarships are awarded at 11+. In the case of Music and Art scholarships, girls who have indicated that they would like to be considered for an award and who have performed well in the entrance examinations are invited to Queen's for assessment. Candidates for Music scholarships play their instrument(s) to the Director of Music, and those for Art scholarships bring a portfolio of work and undergo a practical test. Results are released with the 11+ entry results.

Interest will be charged on any school account which becomes overdue, and the Council may require the withdrawal of a girl whose fees are persistently late. Unfortunately no remission of fees can be granted for absence.

A term's notice in writing must be given before the withdrawal of a girl from the College or a term's fees in lieu of notice will be payable.

Admissions 11+

The main point of admission to Queen's College is at 11+, when there is a three-form entry. Applicants come from all over London, from a wide range of both independent prep schools and state primaries. Girls from Queen's College Preparatory School follow the same entry procedure as other girls.

The selection processSelection is on the basis of an interview at Queen's College, a reference from the candidate's current school, and examinations in Mathematics and English.

All candidates are interviewed by the Principal or another experienced member of staff, usually in the second half of the Michaelmas Term preceding entry. Each girl is asked to bring with her a piece of work of which she is proud, and this forms the initial basis of discussion.

The Mathematics and English tests are those set by the North London Independent Girls' Schools' Consortium, of which Queen's College is a member (in Group 1). For entry to Queen's in September 2018, these tests must be sat on Fri 19 January.

The deadline for applications for 11+ entry in September 2018 is 30 November 2017.

To download the Consortium's 2018 Code of Practice, please click here. You can also download specimen questions in Mathematics.

For guidance on what we look for in examinations answers, and on how girls can best prepare for the Consortium tests, please click here.

ResultsThe results of the selection process (offer, waiting-list, or no offer) are released on a date agreed jointly by the Consortium schools. In 2018 this will be Fri 9 February. Parents have just over three weeks in which to accept a place which has been offered, and must respond to the College by noon on Mon 5 March.

ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS PAPERS FROM JANUARY 2016Please note that there has been a slight change to the English paper from 2016. In the place of one long creative writing task in the Writing Section, there will now be two compulsory short writing tasks of 20 minutes each, one requiring an imaginative response, and the other asking for a personal, discursive response to an issue related to the passage. In order to ensure that candidates have time to read and plan two tasks, the examination has been extended by just five minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. There has been no particular change to the Reading Section, which will be fully accessible to all abilities, but there are opportunities for the most able candidates to be rewarded for original and sophisticated insights.The guidance for the Mathematics paper has stayed the same and the time allowed for this paper has remained 1 hour 15 minutes.

A sample English paper in the new format, with the associated reading passage, is available here.

11+ selection process for 2019 entryThe process for 11+ entry for 2019 onwards is currently being reviewed by the North London Girls' Schools' Consortium; a statement about these changes can be read here. Please note that these changes do not apply for pupils registered for 11+ entry in 2018.

Admission 16+

There has been a long and successful tradition of girls joining Queen's at 16+ for study in the Senior College (Sixth Form). Admission is on the basis of an interview with the Head of the Senior College and a good reference (with predicted GCSE grades) from the candidate's current school. Occasionally we may ask a girl to sit a short test in a particular subject or subjects, and entry is always subject to a minimum performance at GCSE as follows:

• in Mathematics and English, good passes (grade C or above/5 or above) must be obtained• in any subject to be studied at A-level, a minimum grade is required. Please click here for full details.

Generous bursaries are available to academically able girls whose families might not otherwise be able to afford our fees.

Academic Queen's College London

Teaching and learning are at the heart of everything that is done at Queen's, and standards are high. At the point of admission girls are selected on the basis of their ability, and there is a further academic hurdle to be cleared later if they are to enter the Senior College (Sixth Form). Almost without exception our leavers proceed to university degree courses, and we are successful in preparing candidates for entry to medical schools and Oxbridge.

Our academic aims are ambitious, and are set out in our formal statement of educational principles:

we value academic excellence for its own sake, rather than the sterile pursuit of marks.

we measure our success by the development of each individual.

we value personal integrity and the discernment to deal responsibly with the wider world.

we value teaching that inspires pupils and stimulates intellectual curiosity; that encourages intellectual rigour and the ability to make informed judgements; that helps pupils to know how to think, rather than what to think.

we value in pupils self-reliance and independence of mind; self-discipline and the determination to outstrip expectations; imagination and the courage to take risks.

Curriculum

At all levels, the aim at Queen's College is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum with scope for girls to pursue their own interests as these emerge. We do not have a 'blocking system' at GCSE or A-level. The timetable is constructed each year around the girls' choices with the hope that everyone's individual needs can be met.

A recent development at Queen's has been the introduction of International GCSE in a number of subjects. The decision to move to IGCSE has been taken by those departments who feel that the qualification provides a more rigorous and satisfying course in their area.

Years 7, 8 and 9For their first three years at Queen's, pupils study the following subjects

Mathematics

English

Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics from Year 8)

French

Classical Studies (including Latin)

History

Geography

Religious Studies

Art

Music

Drama

Computing

PSHE

In Year 7, girls are given the chance to try each of Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish; and in Years 8 and 9 they choose one of these to study as their second modern language. Games, PE and dance are also part of the curriculum at this stage, and all girls have one period a week in the Library.

Years 10 and 11In these years pupils study for nine or ten GCSEs or IGCSEs. It is compulsory to take:

Mathematics

English

English Literature

either Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Science (Double Award)

a modern language (French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish)

In addition, pupils take three or four subjects from the list below:

Computer Science

Latin

Classical Greek

a second modern language

History

Geography

Religious Studies

Art

Music

Drama

Dance

As well as their examination subjects, pupils are required to take games and PSHE, which includes Careers.

The Senior College (Sixth Form)In Year 12 girls usually select four A-level subjects. Most then drop to three subjects in Year 13. Some however take four subjects right through to A-level. The subjects available are:

Mathematics

Further Mathematics

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

English Literature

French

Italian

Spanish

Latin

Classical Greek

Economics

Geography

Government and Politics

History

History of Art

Religious Studies

Art and Design

Drama and Theatre Studies

Music

Seniors also have one period of PSHE each week. Although there is no timetabled sport in the Senior College, girls are allowed to use their study periods to take advantage of discounted membership of the University of Westminster gym, either for fitness classes or simply to work out.

Exam results

A-level results 2017

A*

A

B

C

D

E

Art & Design

2

3

4

0

0

0

Biology

0

0

1

2

3

1

Chemistry

0

1

2

0

2

0

Classical Civilisation

1

0

1

0

0

0

Drama & Theatre Studies

3

5

1

0

0

0

Economics

1

0

2

1

1

0

English Literature

7

7

2

1

0

0

French

0

1

2

1

0

0

Geography

0

2

1

0

0

0

Government & Politics

0

0

0

1

2

0

History

0

3

3

0

0

0

History of Art

1

1

2

0

1

0

Italian

1

0

0

1

0

0

Latin

0

0

1

0

0

0

Mathematics

1

1

2

1

1

1

Further Mathematics

0

1

0

0

0

0

Music

0

2

0

1

0

0

Religious Studies

2

2

0

1

0

0

Spanish

0

1

1

0

0

0

Totals by grade

19

30

25

10

10

2

Cumulative %

19.6

50.5

76.3

86.6

96.9

99.0

GCSE results 2017

A*

A

B

C

D

Art

18

13

4

0

0

Biology

6

13

9

2

0

Chemistry

10

9

7

4

0

Chinese

4

3

0

0

0

Classical Civilisation

1

1

3

1

0

Classical Greek

1

2

0

0

0

Drama

5

3

3

0

0

English (IGCSE)

22

28

6

3

0

English Literature (IGCSE)

36

19

4

0

0

French (IGCSE)

15

9

7

0

0

Geography (IGCSE)

6

5

8

2

0

German

3

1

1

0

0

History (IGCSE)

19

4

3

0

0

Italian

6

4

0

0

0

Italian (IGCSE)

4

0

0

0

0

Latin

7

2

0

0

0

Mathematics (IGCSE)

17

15

22

5

0

Music

3

6

0

0

0

Physical Education

2

0

1

0

0

Physics

7

14

4

4

1

Religious Studies

23

11

3

0

0

Science

0

9

14

6

0

Additional Science

1

10

14

4

0

Spanish

7

5

3

0

0

Spanish (IGCSE)

2

0

0

0

0

Totals by grade

224

186

116

31

1

Cumulative %

40.1

73.4

94.3

99.8

100

Libraries

There are two main libraries at Queen's and they form an invaluable resource for teaching and learning. Girls may use the libraries for private study during the school day and until 5.30pm, with the agreement of the Senior Tutor. There is a full-time, professional librarian.

The Senior LibraryThe Senior Library is made up of the Main Library and a later extension, the Blue Library. It is for use only by I and II Seniors and by staff, and is one of the most impressive parts of the College. A portrait of FD Maurice, the founder of the College, hangs over the mantelpiece and there is an atmosphere of quiet and purposeful study. Newspapers and periodicals are available in addition to the stock of about 10,000 books.

The Kynaston (Junior) LibraryThe Kynaston Library is available for use by all pupils and staff. It is used for the younger girls' Library lessons, and houses nearly 8000 volumes and a good DVD collection.

BookshopThe librarian runs a bookshop in conjunction with Daunt Books of Marylebone High Street. A small selection of books is kept, and special orders may be placed for items not in stock.

Inspection Report

We are delighted to announce that following our recent ISI Compliance Inspection on 29th and 30th November 2017, the school meets all the standards in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, the relevant requirements of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, and associated requirements.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is the body approved by the Department for Education for the purpose of inspecting schools belonging to Independent Schools Council (ISC) Associations and reporting on compliance with independent school regulations. ISI inspections are also carried out under arrangements of the ISC Associations for the maintenance and improvement of the quality of their membership.

The inspection was a Regulatory Compliance Only inspection and as such reports only on the school's compliance with the exacting Independent Schools Inspectorate standards. The standards represent the minimum standards and judgements are given as either met or not met. The inspection does not make evaluations on the educational quality of the school beyond those that are required to meet minimum standards. An Educational Quality Inspection will follow in the coming years.

Our last Integrated Inspection (which includes judgements on Educational Quality) was carried out in March 2013. To read this report, click here.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2013 REPORT

"...pupils' achievement and learning is excellent. Pupils attain high standards and are extremely well educated, fully achieving the school's aim to enable pupils to know how to think, rather than what to think."

Pastoral care is outstanding. Pupils thrive in the established family atmosphere, where mutual courtesy and consideration of the feelings of others is the norm."

"Teaching provides outstanding support and guidance so that pupils .... make rapid progress"

"Pupils... benefit from a wide and varied programme of curricular and extra-curricular activities."

"Pupils' personal development is excellent. The city location is well used to enrich and stimulate pupils' spiritual development through a varied programme of cultural visits to theatres, museums and galleries."

Reporting Inspector, ISI

Co-Curricular Queen's College London

A great deal goes on beyond the classroom at Queen's College, and we offer a very full range of cultural and sporting opportunities. We like everyone to get involved, and expect Seniors to play a part in leading and running activities.

Art

The Art department at Queen's has an expressive, creative ethos which is supported by lively and dynamic teaching at all levels of study. Based in a light and airy studio, the department aims to stimulate and foster individual development through a wide range of activities including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, construction and textiles. The department emphasises contextual studies as an integral element in all its courses and values sketchbook-based research as an essential tool in the creative process for pupils of all ages. We have a wide range of activities on offer to all year-groups which include lunchtime clubs, workshops with visiting art specialists, outside speakers and trips.

There is a strong creative tradition at Queen's with Art and Design a popular choice at both GCSE and A-level. The curriculum is broad and offers students opportunities to develop their skills alongside exploring their ideas in a wide range of materials. We encourage students to develop a personal journey at the start of their GCSE course as this equips them with the skills to develop independent inquiry and confidence in their own decision-making. Students are offered life drawing workshops, a practical weekend workshop in Suffolk and regular after school visits to galleries. Many students go on to prestigious Foundation courses, either before pursuing an academic route at university or in preparation for a degree course in one of the many areas of Art and Design.

Art scholarships are offered at both 11+ and 16+.

Music

Welcome to the Queen's College Music department. Through a meaningful balance of support and encouragement we aim to provide a platform for all our musicians to shine. We believe that girls can make a lasting contribution to society through musical accomplishment and dedication to the art. Music is to be enjoyed, cherished and nurtured. We offer a rich and varied extra-curricular programme creating opportunities for our budding musicians to perfect the art of ensemble and to perform at our many concerts and events. Music scholarships are offered at both 11+ and 16+.

Music is a popular choice at GCSE and A-level each year. The academic curriculum ensures an inspiring balance of composing, performing and appraising across all year groups. Music is a compulsory subject in Years 7, 8 and 9 with weekly lessons. We follow the Edexcel syllabus for our GCSE course and AQA at A-level. The department comprises a fully up-to-date ICT suite with the latest composition software as well as our rehearsal rooms and teaching space.

The department currently offers instrumental lessons on a wide range of instruments. This year the harp was introduced to the department's instrumental programme. We also offer music theory lessons to support pupils' instrumental learning. Every week 144 instrumental lessons take place delivered by twelve specialist instrumental teachers.

Drama

A great deal of drama goes on at Queen's. There is always a major theatrical production in the Michaelmas Term, and operas in conjunction with both Bampton Classical Opera and the Little Opera Company. Lunchtime drama is popular, and Class 3 (Year 7) girls put on a classical play every year in their second term. Individual lessons in preparation for Trinity Guildhall Speech and Drama exams are available.

Drama is offered at GCSE and Theatre Studies at A-level, and both are taken by a good number of girls each year.

Recent whole College shows have included 'The Belles of the Ball', Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' and Stephen Sondheim's 'Into the Woods'. Most recently 'The Sound of Music', with it's legendary score by Rogers and Hammerstein, was performed.

Sport

A comprehensive programme of PE and games is on offer at the College. A healthy balance is struck between promoting life-long fitness habits through a range of activities, and encouraging the most talented athletes to reach their full potential. Whether a student seeks competition or recreation, they are supported in these pursuits. The curriculum is varied and interesting: values of leadership, fair play, strategic thinking and crucial social interaction are constant themes. Students in the older years choose the activities they wish to participate in.

FacilitiesWe have a well-equipped gym on site and are able to make good use of excellent facilities nearby. Outdoor games take place against the beautiful backdrop of Regent's Park and swimming at the Marshall Street Leisure Centre.

Clubs & societies

A wide range of different activities is on offer at Queen's, often reflecting the interests and enthusiasms of particular members of staff or pupils. After school and at lunchtimes, there are clubs and societies which meet, some for particular year groups and some open to all. This is the current list:

Art clinic

when: Tuesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Art Studio

contact: Miss Thomson

available to: II Juniors & Seniors

Art club

when: Fridays 1.05pm - 1.35pm

where: Art Studio

contact: Ms Thomson

available to: Classes 3, 2 & 1

Athena The society for high culture for members of the Senior College - theatre trips, high brow lectures, concerts, and more.

when: five or six times a term, after school

where: all over London

contact: Mr Wilkins

Book Art

when: Tuesdays 4.10pm-5.00pm

where: Art Studio

contact: Miss Moor

available to: I Seniors

Chamber choir Entry by audition, this choir is open to our more advanced singers in Classes 2 and above. The choir performs at all major College concerts and events and includes close harmony and a cappella works.

when: Wednesdays 4.05pm-5.00pm

where: Music Room 1

contact: Mrs Hamilton

Cheerleading club

when: Thursdays 7.30am-8.30am

where: Gym

contact: Mrs Argent

Available to: All years

Chess club

when: Tuesdays

where: Trumen Annex

contact: Mr Burgess

available to: All years

Class 3 choir This choir is open to all class 3 students and encompasses a broad range of musical styles and tastes. Girls prepare for continued study in Classes 2 and 1 and perform at many of the College events and concerts throughout the academic year.

when: Tuesdays 1.05pm - 1.35pm

where: Music Room 1

contact: Miss D'Arcy

Computer Science Club IGCSE

when: Tuesdays 1.05pm - 1.35pm

where: RS Lab

contact: Ms Lane

Dance Company

when: Thursdays 4.05pm - 5.30pm

where: Gym

contact: Miss Sims

available to: All years

Debating Society club

when: Alternating Wednesdays 1.00pm - 1.35pm

where: Room 43

contact: Mr Willows

available to: Juniors & Seniors

Debating Club

when: Mondays & Tuesdays 1.05pm - 1.35pm

where: Kynaston Library

contact: Dr Perry

available: Class 2 on mondays & Class 3 on Tuesdays

Drama club

when: Tuesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: NFR

contact: Miss Morse

available to: All years

English drop in

when: Thursdays 12.45pm-1.35pm

where: Room H

contact: Mrs Azis

available to: All years

Feminist society

when: Mondays 1.05pm - 1.35pm

where: Room 43

contact: Ms Halstead

available to: All years

Fun Club

when: Thursdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Room A

contact: Marina Green (Senior)

available to: Class 3

Flute choir

when: Thursdays 1.05pm - 1.35pm

where: Music Room 7

contact: Mr Tucker

available to: Class 1 and I Seniors

GCSE Dance

when: Mondays 4.15pm-5.30pm

where: Gym

contact: Miss Sims

available to: Juniors

Gymnastics squad

when: Wednesdays 4.05pm-5.30pm

where: Gym

contact: Miss Argent

available to: All years

History of Art club

when: Tuesdays

where: Room 40

contact: Mr Gray

available to: Juniors & Seniors

History Society club

when: Alternating Wednesdays 1.00pm - 1.35pm

where: Room 43

contact: Mr Willows

available to: Juniors & Seniors

Holloway society

when: alternating Tuesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Room 43

contact: Mr Wilkins

available to: Juniors & Seniors

Homework lab

when: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

where: Room H

contact: Miss Robinson

available to: Juniors

IGCSE Biology clinic

when: Mondays 4.10pm-5.00pm

where: JB Lab

contact: Miss Robinson

available to: II Juniors

IGCSE Computer Science clinic

when: Tuesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: RS Lab

contact: Ms Lane

available to: II Juniors

IGCSE French clinic

when: Mondays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Room 32

contact: Miss Suri

available to: II Juniors

IGCSE Geography clinic

when: Tuesdays 4.10pm-5.10pm

where: Room 41

contact: Mrs Delany

available to: II Juniors

IGCSE Maths clinic

when: Mondays 4.10pm-5.10pm

where: Room 22

contact: Mr Donovan

available to: II Juniors

IGCSE Physics clinic

when: Wednesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Trumen Lab

contact: Mr Burgess

available to: II Juniors

IGCSE RS clinic

when: Mondays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where:

contact: Mrs Gumpert

available to: II Juniors

IGCSE Spanish clinic

when: Tuesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Room 32

contact: Miss Suri

available to: II Juniors

Linguistics club

when: Wednesdays 1.05pm - 1.35pm

where: Room 41

contact: Miss Suri

available to: Juniors and Seniors

Maths club

when: Tuesdays 4.15pm-4.45pm

where: Room 43

contact: Mr Donovan

available to: Juniors & Seniors

Maths drop-in

when: Tuesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Room 26

contact: Miss Bor

available to: Class 1 & I Juniors

Medics group

when: alternating Fridays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: JB Lab

contact: Dr Davies

available to: Juniors & Seniors

Model United Nations club

when: Thursdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Room 43

contact: Mrs Gumpert

available to: Juniors & Seniors

Netball skills

when: Mondays and Wednesdays 7.45am-8.30am

where: Regent's Park

contact: Mrs Argent

Available to: Classes 3 & 2 on Mondays and Class 1 on Wednedays

Orchestra

when: Fridays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Music Room 1

contact: Miss Forsey

available to: All years

Running club Run for fun, fitness, or fanaticism.

when: Tuesdays 4.05pm-5.00pm

where: Regent’s Park

contact: Mrs Argent

available to: All years

SciArt club

when: Wednesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Art Studio

contact: Ms Stewart or Dr Davies

available to: Selected classes 2 & 1

School choir

when: Wednesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Music Room 1

contact: Miss Forsey

available to: Classes 2 & 1

School ensemble

when: Wednesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Music Room 5

contact: Miss Forsey

available to: Classes 2 & 1

School string ensemble

when: Mondays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Music Room 5

contact: Miss Hinton

available to: Classes 2 & 1

Science club

when: Thursdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: JB Lab

contact: Dr Davies

available to: Class 3

Senior choir Open to Class 2 to II Senior students who wish to study a more advanced choral repertoire.

when: Thursdays 4.05pm-5.00pm

where: Music Room 1

contact: Miss Forsey

Senior instrumental ensemble

when: Mondays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Music Room 1

contact: Miss Forsey

available to: Class 2, 1, Juniors and Seniors

Socratic club

when: Alternating Tuesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Room 43

contact: Mrs Gumpert

available to: Juniors & Seniors

Swim squad

when: Thursdays 4.00pm-5.30pm

where: Marshall Street Leisure Centre, W1

contact: Miss Argent

available to: All years

Talking Books

when: Wednesdays 1.05pm-1.35pm

where: Kynaston Library

contact: Dr Perry

available to: All years

Yoga club

when: Tuesdays 7.30am-8.30am

where: Gym

contact: Mrs Argent

available to: All years

Life at Queen's College London

Life at Queen's is extraordinarily varied. This website attempts to give a flavour of what goes on in the central areas of College life, but our unique atmosphere is best experienced in person on one of our Open Days. Please contact our Registrar, Miss Fiona Murdoch, for further details.

Buildings

At its foundation in 1848, Queen's College occupied 45 Harley Street and within ten years acquired the lease on number 43 as well. The late 19th century saw extensive remodelling, and in 1898 a major bequest enabled significant changes to be made. These included the construction of the portico on the street front between numbers 43 and 45, which is still the most notable feature of the entrance to the College, and of the Main Corridor and Pfeiffer Hall. In 1921 the College was able to expand when the lease on 47 Harley Street was bought.

The second half of the 20th century witnessed major new developments. Kynaston House (49 Harley Street) was acquired in 1962, providing additional Library space and for a while accommodation for weekly boarders. Under two recent past Principals, the Lady Goodhart (1991-99) and Miss Margaret Connell (1999-2009) modernisation proceeded rapidly with new laboratories, ICT facilities, a Drama studio, a reworked kitchen and dining area, and in 2007 a stunning refurbishment of the Pfeiffer Hall (re-named the Somerville Hall in 2010).

During Dr Frances Ramsey's time as Principal (2009-17) work was undertaken in the basement of the buildings, with significant opening up of the dining area and provision of better changing and bathroom facilities. The outside courtyard space was much altered and improved. In February 2017 the College created a new sixth form centre in the roof space above numbers 43, 45 and 47 Harley Street. This development provides modern and spacious facilities for our older students, including a large common room, a quiet work area, seminar room and classrooms. There are wonderful views across London to be enjoyed!

Organisation

At Queen's we have different names for the year-groups and sections of the school from those you might have met elsewhere. Girls in their first three years are said to be in the School; those studying for GCSEs constitute the Junior College; and Sixth Formers make up the Senior College. The table below explains this fully.

Historically Queen's was a college for older girls (from about the age of fourteen) and 'the School' was a later addition to provide preparatory classes for those who wanted to attend the College.

National Curriculum year-group

Queen's name

Queen's section

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9

Class 3 Class 2 Class 1

The School

Year 10 Year 11

I Juniors II Juniors

The Junior College

Year 12 Year 13

I Seniors II Seniors

The Senior College

Pastoral care

At Queen's we aim to provide a happy and supportive environment and, consistent with our aim of developing each girl individually, pastoral care is one of our greatest strengths. The ethos of the College ensures that all members of staff take responsibility for the pastoral welfare of the pupils within a civilised and tolerant community.

Members of staff with specific pastoral responsibilities are:

the Principal

the Pastoral Deputy Head, who is also Designated Safeguarding Lead

the Assistant Head (Head of the Senior College), who is also Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

the Head of the Junior College

the Head of the School

the College Nurse

Year Tutors

Form Tutors and Deputy Form Tutors

Form TutorsForm tutors and their deputies play a vital role in the pastoral care of the girls. They meet with the girls in their form for registration at the beginning and end of each day, and attend Prayers and PSHE lessons with them. They are well placed to get to know the girls in their care and to help with any difficulties. Parents are able to communicate with Form Tutors by telephone or e-mail, and are encouraged to do so.

Form GroupsWhen girls join the College in Class 3 (Year 7), they are allocated to a form partly on the basis of where they live. This is intended to help families with their travel arrangements and out of school activities. We also try to ensure an academic mix within each form and a balance of girls from different feeder schools. We reorganise the form groups at the end of each of the first three years in the College, and again on a girl's entry to the Senior College. It is hoped that as a consequence girls will have the opportunity to experience varied friendships.

Lunch

Lunch is available daily in the self-service dining area and paid for on a fingerprint recognition system. It is also possible to bring in a packed lunch. Only senior girls are allowed to leave the College at lunchtime, and then they are required to sign out and back in again.

There is a wide variety of different meals on offer each day, and the quality is high.

Uniform

Full school uniform is worn by Years 7, 8 and 9. Our uniform is modern and attractive, and girls are expected to identify themselves with the College and its ethos by wearing it neatly and without adaptations. Full uniform regulations are available here, and uniform must be purchased on-line from Schoolblazer. For those who are interested, the uniform can be viewed on the Schoolblazer website (www.schoolblazer.com).

For girls in the Junior College (Years 10 and 11), we have a dress code which includes a uniform jacket and blouse. The Junior College dress code is available here. Students in the Senior College (Years 12 and 13) have no specific code to follow, but their dress is required to be appropriate for school.

All girls need uniform for PE and this is also available from Schoolblazer.

Parents’ association

Queen's has a thriving Parents' Association, the QCPA, which does a great deal to support the College through social events, practical assistance for College activities, and fund-raising. All parents are automatically members of the QCPA.

The QCPA operates very much as a team. Events are planned using old-fashioned committee meetings and coffee mornings, but also e-mail. Responsibility is spread so that parents can contribute in big or small ways to fit around their other commitments. New ideas are always welcome, whether they come from parents, staff or pupils.

All events and meeting dates are listed in the College calendar, and the current chairman is Mrs Kate Greenwood. The QCPA's constitution is available here.

Life after Queen's College London

Girls leaving Queen's go on to a wide variety of different degree courses, and very careful consideration is given to the needs and aspirations of each student. During their I Seniors year (Year 12) all students take the Cambridge Occupational Analysts' 'Centigrade' test and receive a full report detailing possible careers and routes through higher education. There is also a biennial careers fair.

The College employs a qualified careers guidance specialist who is available to give advice, and who conducts practice interviews with all II Seniors (Year 13). Those applying to Oxbridge or to medical schools are given additional interview practice. The Head of the Senior College, heads of relevant academic departments, subject teachers and Form Tutors also play an important part in providing constructive advice and support throughout the application period.

Former pupils

Queen's College was founded to provide women with the qualifications they needed to enter the professions. It is not surprising then that during the course of its history the College has produced a large number of successful, professional women. Former pupils are known as Old Queens. These are a few of the best known, with their dates at the College:

Alumnae Queen’s College London

Welcome to the Old Queens' network, the webpages for former pupils of Queen's College London. We are delighted to be in contact with over 2000 Old Queens and through a growing programme of events and communications hope to create even more opportunities for you to keep in touch with former classmates, teachers and the College.

We always love to hear what our alumnae are up to, so please do keep in touch and share with us your news and memories of the College. Please also don't forget to keep us updated with your current e-mail and postal address details so that we can send you invitations to events as well as copies of our Old Queens' Magazine and the termly Queen's Today newsletter. The easiest way to do this is by completing and returning a copy of our update form or by contacting us as below.

We would be delighted if you could help support current students and also recent leavers through our careers programme. If you are able to offer careers advice, mentoring or a work experience placement, or come and give a talk to the girls at College, then please do let us know. However you choose to stay involved, we hope to see you back at Queen's soon.

Publications Queen's College London

Queen’s Today - Summer 2017

Queen’s Today - Lent 2017

Be Part of our Future

Queen's College has always been much more than just a place of learning. For the past 160 years, we've been instilling young women with a sense of confidence and purpose, equipping them with the skills to become the people that they want to be. Each year, we reinvest any surplus from school fees back into the College in order to ensure that our teaching and facilities are maintained to the highest possible standards, and to provide means-tested bursary support for bright and talented girls whose families cannot afford to pay the full fees. Although the College possesses a rich history we do not have a significant endowment, and further income is needed to ensure that we can continue to provide the very best opportunities for our girls, further develop our facilities and also widen accessibility.

There are many ways in which you can support Queen's College, from donating towards bursaries, building developments or educational experiences for our girls. All gifts, large and small, are appreciated and will make a real difference to our pupils, both now and in the years to come.

Annual Fund Queen's College London

Leaving a Legacy Queen's College London

Making the gift of a lifetime

For those who valued their time at Queen's, a legacy is a way of giving something back as well as a means of providing for future generations. Large or small, a gift in your Will can help support the College as a whole or be directed to a particular aspect of College life with which you have an affinity. For example, you may choose for your gift to support bursaries for bright and talented girls who without financial assistance would not otherwise be able to attend the College, or to be directed towards maintaining our excellent facilities and teaching. The College is happy to work with donors to create giving opportunities specifically tailored to their personal areas of interest and financial situations.

Discussing your plans

If you are considering leaving a gift to Queen's in your Will, thank you. A Will is a personal matter and we understand if you would prefer to keep your intentions private. However, it would be a great help if you were to let the College know of your plans, as this ensures that we are able to thank you in person and keep you informed about the impact that your gift can make, as well as keep you up-to-date with developments at the College. If you are comfortable doing so, please complete and return our Legacy Pledge form. This is not a binding commitment, but simply a statement of your present intentions and will be used to help us in our long-term planning.

We would be pleased to discuss your intentions with you, regardless of whether you consider your gift to be large or small. Please rest assured that this does not commit you in any way and that all discussions and correspondence will be treated in the strictest confidence. Please contact our Director of Development, Charlotte Buswell, on 020 7291 7018 or at cbuswell@qcl.org.uk

Further information

Making a bequest to Queen's can lessen the burden of inheritance tax on your estate. As a registered charity (number 312726), all legacies left to Queen's College London are exempt from Inheritance Tax (currently at 40%), and for estates leaving 10% or more to charity, there is a reduction in Inheritance Tax from 40% to 36%.

We advise those who wish to leave a legacy to the College to seek professional advice about minimising the taxation burden on their estate, as well as on the wording of their Will, in order to ensure that their intentions are properly recorded.

Making a Gift Queen's College London

How you can help

Thank you for considering a donation to Queen's College. The generosity of our supporters is fundamental in allowing the College to meet the challenges of the future, to widen accessibility and to provide the very best learning opportunities and facilities for our girls both now and in the years to come.

Please find below a number of different ways in which you can help. If you are a UK tax payer, please remember to sign our Gift Aid declaration so that we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 that you donate back from the Government.

Cheques

Please make cheques payable to Queen's College London and post together with a completed donation form to: The Development Office, Queen's College, 43-49 Harley Street, London, W1G 8BT. If you cannot print the donation form, please enclose a note with your name, address, e-mail and telephone number and details of the project you wish to support.

Direct debit

A direct debit allows you to donate directly from your bank account at fixed intervals (monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually). Please complete our direct debit instruction form and return it to us at The Development Office, Queen's College, 43-49 Harley Street, London, W1G 8BT. Please do not send this form directly to your bank. Please also include a note or e-mail us at development@qcl.org.uk if you would like your donations to be directed towards a particular fund.

Online

Please click here to make a secure online donation using a credit/debit card or to set up an online direct debit. If you would like your gift to be directed towards a particular fund, please e-mail us at development@qcl.org.uk in order to let us know.

Charity cheques/vouchers

We can accept charity cheques, vouchers or charity card donations such as those administered by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). Please make charity cheques payable to Queen's College London and return to us with a completed donation form, or alternatively include a note with your name, address, e-mail, telephone number and details of the project you wish to support. Our charity registration number is 312726.

Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer, Queen's College London can claim Gift Aid on your donation which will increase the size of your gift by 25% at absolutely no extra cost to yourself. Higher-rate tax payers who Gift Aid their donations can also claim some tax back – see below. Please remember to sign and date our Gift Aid declaration when completing the donation form or tick the Gift Aid box when making an online gift. You can also download a Gift Aid declaration form by clicking here.

Tax efficient giving

Higher-rate tax payers who Gift Aid their donations can reclaim the difference between the higher-rate of tax (at either 40 or 45%) and the basic-rate of tax (at 20%) on the total gross value of their donation. You can make this claim when you come to complete your self-assessment tax return. For further information on how tax efficient giving can help maximise the impact of your donations, please click here.

Giving from the US

If you are a US taxpayer, you can donate to Queen's College London through the Anglo-American Charity, a 501(c) (3) US tax exempt non-profit organisation. This will make it possible for you to take advantage of tax relief benefits in both the UK and the US. Please visit www.anglo-americancharity.org for further details.

Matched Giving

Many companies operate a matched giving scheme where they will match or make an additional contribution to the philanthropic gifts made by their employees. Please contact your HR or Payroll department for further information. Attached is a list of employers who we understand operate a matched giving scheme. It is by no means a definitive list, so please do let us know if you find any errors or omissions.

Request information

Please contact our Director of Development, Charlotte Buswell, on 020 7291 7018 or at cbuswell@qcl.org.uk if you would like any further information or wish to discuss making a gift.